Arizona Nov. 2011

Andrea and the little kids were in Arizona having a break while Michael was serving his country. We were so excited to be able to visit them. Mom, Pam and I flew to Arizona. Natalie came the next day after work from California. Margaret and Steve invited Judy, Kenny, Mom, Pam and me over for dinner and to be able to see the kids. What a fun night. We enjoyed a great dinner, and you know the fun thing was being able to see Andrea and the cutest little kids. It was Natalya's birthday.

Mom was able to get pictures with Michael and Andrea's kids. These are priceless pictures.

Marcus, as you can see is constantly eating. He would stuff the cheese balls in his mouth as fast as he could put them in. He is now taking a break for a drink. Judy fixed a fun picnic for us. We are at a park (school playground). Kaylynn and Chad brought their three boys. Kendra and Kevin brought their two. Shana brought her four children as Kasey was working. Jaret and Kara came the night before to visit with Mom. Everyone was so excited to be able to visit with her.

We were able to take a sister and Mom picture. This is so neat to be able to be together. We had such a great time just enjoying everyone. Judy's kids all wanted to come to visit with Mom and show her their cute families.

Kaylynn, you sure do have great kids, and you look so good. We are so proud of you.

Andrea and Natalie take a minute to quit feeding Marcus for a picture.

This is th cutest cousin picture. Michaels two little girls, Kaseys two little girls and Kendras one. This was so fun to watch them all play together.

Well you know Natalie cannot miss any of the action.

We are all sitting in the shade and visiting while the kids are playing in the park.

Kendra, Kaseys, Kaylynns little boys.

Oh, the sun is so bright for you little girls.

Natalie and I both are having our pictures taken with Michaels little family.

We are so lucky to be able to visit with you kids in Arizona. Just wish you all didn't live so far away in Virginia. Can't wait to plan another trip, but then Grandpa will be coming then.

Marcus was sitting with Andrea, and Natalie crawled up on the bed to watch TV with Natalya and Raquel. Raquel loves to have sparklies on her eyes. We had fun putting it on her.

Great memories with Aunt Natalie. The girls think Natalie is the best, ever.

Andrea and Marcus watching the girls from the chair. The next morning we left Arizona at 7:00 and were back in Idaho Falls at 8:45. Such a quick trip, but was worth a million dollars. Natalie stayed and visited with Andrea until Sunday afternoon and then went back to California. Always hard to say good-by. Families are the best. We were so glad Margaret and Steve let us stay with them for our visit. They were wonderful to us and shared the kids. We loved going for walks with the kids and hanging out. Life is good.

White Water Rafting 2011

We were not able to raft very much this year. The rivers were very high with the run-off, so we tried to take advantage a few times in July. The river was so cold and muddy. But it is always a thrill to float the Snake River above Alpine. Camille and Michelle brought a few of their children to ride for the first time of the season.


Bruce is always a good sport. He did say that the cold water never bothers him, but this water is fifty-five, and it did bother us all. Bruce has raised his kids to just have fun and be good sports.

Michelle and Camille both brought their wetsuits. But Camille forgot her kids wetsuits. Real good, Camille. Poor little Ciara. Toward the end of the trip, Mike brought out a few rain jackets for the kids. Mike is always so prepared.

All of the grandchildren used to be little kids, and now they are getting taller than me. Where did those years go. Stop growing so fast. Oh, it is so fun playing with them. Carter was camping and Brooklyn was doing a marathon.

Michelles boys with Camilles girls.

Great picture Alexis. That was good photography. Go grandma.

Ten will be on the raft today. Glad that Mike is in good shape and exercises. He will have a precious cargo to get down the river.

And the are off. Fine figure of a man...

My mom came for the ride. It was a beautiful day. Caden wanted to help her out of the car.

Brooklyn, Carter, and Tom were able to come this time.

We are getting donuts out of the truck as a treat before we head down the river.

The boys are enjoying having Brooklyn along and listening to her stories.

Yes, they all love her attention.

Michelle and Tom are preparing for the voyage.

Michelle and my mom stay behind to drive the truck to the take out dock.

We are having a great lunch that Michelle prepared for us before we go down the river for a second float.

Cannon, you are such a ham.

And there they go. It is a warm, beautiful day and the water is still cold. The float takes about an hour and one-half. Thanks Mike for sharing the raft with the family. We all love floating down the river with you.